Episodes

Gabe and Katy, who were as surprised as you were that this turned out to be the finale of Serial's second season, reflect on the Bowe Bergdahl story and its implications, before turning their attention to the exciting possibilities for Season 3. Thanks to all of you for tuning in to our second season of the Spoiler Special!
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Episode 10 of "Serial" finds the Bowe Bergdahl story zoomed out to its furthest point yet, and Gabe and Katy explain why they think that makes it the strongest part of Season 2 so far.
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Gabe and Katy struggle with the ever-shifting frame of season 2’s narrative. What is the real story Koenig and company are driving at? Is there any other way to approach a situation as complicated as Bowe Bergdahl’s?
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Gabe and Katy dive into this week's two-part episode of "Serial," in which a clearer - and somewhat depressing - picture of Bowe Bergdahl begins to emerge.
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Gabe and Katy discuss the successes and failures of Serial's recent series of mini-episodes updating us on Adnan Syed's hearing in Baltimore. What, if anything, does the series add to our understanding of Season 1, and where does it leave us emotionally?
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Gabe and Katy are once again joined by former Army officer Adrian Bonenberger to discuss the realities of life on base in Afghanistan, and whether Bowe’s concerns were realistic or idealistic. Plus: fond memories of Season 1, as awakened by today’s surprise release of a mini-episode updating us on Adnan’s retrial hearings in Baltimore.
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Gabe and Katy talk about the many appealing new characters introduced in this week's episode, and try to suss out the major themes of the season thus far. Plus: listener emails!
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New York Magazine’s Carl Swanson joins us to share behind-the-scenes insights on the making of Serial’s new season, gleaned from his recent interviews with Sarah Koenig and the production team. Plus: is Serial still appointment listening, or is this season’s narrative somehow less compelling, despite its broadened scope?
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Gabe is joined by Slate’s Jacob Brogan and June Thomas to examine the deepening question of whether or not Bowe Bergdahl is a trustworthy narrator. After an episode that sees him struggle mightily to survive at the hands of the Taliban, it’s becoming harder to doubt him. Plus: listener reactions to episode 2.
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Gabe and Katy wrestle with their feelings of empathy for Bowe Bergdahl, despite the fact that he plainly endangered the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. The question, of course, is why? Author Brendan Koerner, who has written extensively on the phenomenon of military desertion, joins us to offer some theories. Plus: listener responses to last week’s show.
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Slate's Gabriel Roth and Katy Waldman are joined by writer and Afghanistan war veteran Adrian Bonenberger to discuss the first episode of Serial's new season. Sarah Koenig and her team opened their new season by deploying a series of familiar narrative tricks, but the show's effect has the potential to be much more wide-ranging this time around. And what are we supposed to make of this Mark Boal guy - can we trust him?
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In the wake of Jay Wilds' exclusive interview with The Intercept, Slate reunites the Serial Spoiler gang for one more crazy caper. David Haglund and Katy Waldman discuss how Jay's Q-and-A might affect the case and Serial's first season.
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David Haglund, Katy Waldman, and The Gist's Mike Pesca discuss "What We Know" and whether Serial's first season ended up being "a contemplation on the nature of truth," as Mike once feared. NOTE: Listen to this podcast AFTER you listen to the Serial episode.
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David Haglund, Katy Waldman, and Grantland's Wesley Morris react to "Rumors," the latest episode of Serial from This American Life. Plus, they talk with Mark Phillips, the musician and sound designer who composes most of the show's score.
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David Haglund, Katy Waldman, and Laura Anderson react to "The Best Defense Is a Good Defense," the latest episode of Serial from This American Life. They discuss possible religious bias in Adnan's trial, the defense attorney's behavior, and Jay's deal with prosecutors. NOTE: Listen to this spoiler AFTER you listen to the Serial episode.
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David Haglund, Katy Waldman, and Laura Anderson react to "The Best Defense Is a Good Defense," the latest episode of Serial from This American Life. They discuss possible religious bias in Adnan's trial, the defense attorney's behavior, and Jay's deal with prosecutors. NOTE: Listen to this spoiler AFTER you listen to the Serial episode.

With Serial on hiatus this week, Mike Pesca of The Gist reflects on the success of the investigative podcast. Plus: Hear a longer version of Mike's interview with Serial host Sarah Koenig, recorded just before the release of episode 5, "Route Talk."
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David Haglund, Katy Waldman, and Willa Paskin discuss To Be Suspected, the ninth episode of Serial from This American Life. WARNING: Enjoy this spoiler special after you listen to the episode.
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